New York Comic Con is coming–and I’m going! I’ve picked panels; I’ve artist alley-ooh-ed and ah-ed–and I’ve mapped it all out like a cross-eyed pirate. I’ve emptied out the ol’ backpack and have filled it back up again with enough Pro Bars to fuel a contingent of hardcore cosplayers. I am convinced that this’ll be the best Con ever!

My optimism is not unfounded: I’ve conspired with some art reps for some pre-Con commissions from a few talented fellas: Ian Bertram (Allen Ginsberg circa the acid-fueled “Wales Visitation”), Leandro Fernandez (Adrian Chase/Vigilante), and Martin Morazzo (The Ice Cream Man serving up ice cream cones to my Goosebumps-loving daughters). Can’t wait to see what they come up with!

Before the Con, however, we’ve got a notable NCBD. So here’s my weekly FYI:

Dead Rabbit #1 (Image)

Die! Die! Die! #3 (Image)

Paper Girls #25 (Image)

Redlands #7 (Image): I&N Demand NYCC memory: Back in 2013, I had the pleasure of meeting Vanesa Del Rey, mostly by accident. See: I was on the hunt for some Six-Gun Gorilla OA from Jeff Stokely–which I scored, by the way–and VDR just so happened to be seated at an adjacent table. At the time, I knew her only from Hit, which was, at the time, a hit in its own right, and I told her as much. VDR was very friendly; in fact, she asked about my I&N shirt–even asked for a card, which I, regrettably, did not have. (I’ll be cardless this time around, too. ScottNerd–where lessons go to die.) She was kind enough to allow me to take a picture, which we featured in our NYCC 2013 follow-up. And, wouldn’t you know, I’ve been a fan ever since! I enjoyed the hell out of the first arc of Redlands–featuring strong women born of strong writing (a real breath of [Jordie] Bellaire, the otherwise ubiquitous colorist) and beautiful, lush, exceedingly sexy art from VDR–and am very much looking forward to this one.

Border Town #2 (DC/Vertigo): I&N Demand Well, I had no idea I’d like #1 as much as I did. Had to shout it out in a 22 I&N 22, which I’ll share here because it says a lot: Bloody moving—a monster of racial relevance; tears down walls, cranks up the stereotypes to once upon a helluva good time. Arriba! You know what that means: expectations for #2 are muy alto–muy, muyalto.

A Walk Through Hell #5 (AfterShock): I&N Demand Re: the cover: An Hello to Arms–obviously a Prequel to Hemingway’s classic to-hell-and-back wartime love novel. Or maybe it’s just a disarming cover for another horrifying stretch of Ennis and Sudzuka’s A Walk Through Hell. I’m going with the latter ladder–of fucking arms. (Apologies available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

I&N Store–The Back to Work edition. You know what that means: the list may be long, but time is short. To it.

Dead Hand #6 (Image): I&N Demand In #5, Kyle Higgins, Stephen Mooney, Jordie Bellaire, and Clayton Cowles ratchet up the tension by framing a highly-anticipated and well-crafted backstory with, despite the fanciful stakes, uncomfortably real family conflict. See: the stubbornly curious Harriet has been hooked up with the sitch regarding Roger, which seems reasonable–right?–especially as Renae and Carter sense the increasingly-urgent need for a contingency plan, which goes to shit–should’ve seen it coming–with a semi-automatic surprise ending. Reflection: Should. Expect. Surprises. Bookkeeping: there have been some shocking moments so far in Dead Hand. But those moments–they’re far from dead hands themselves; if anything, they’re living feet kicking me to the comic store to get my eager hands on the next issue.

Leviathan #2 (Image)

Paper Girls #24 (Image)

Stray Bullets: Sunshine and Roses #38 (Image): I&N Demand What. A. Trip! In #37, David Lapham revs-up a racing narrative that reflects Beth and Orson’s sex-drugs-and rock-n-roll road trip stumble like a shattered rear-view mirror. “This is fucking gold,” indeed. But as we all know from Frost–and as evidenced by the final splash crash page–“Nothing gold can stay.” Oh, I’m on pins and cactus needles waiting to crack open this one!

Unnatural #4 (Image)

Batman #54 (DC): I&N Demand After the spectacularly-presented spiritual crisis of the finale of “Cold Days,” Tom King and guest artist Matt Wagner–of the magical Mage (God, those beautiful green bubbles drew a bubbly boy to his LCS–the original Amazing Comics–and to the rack in the back way back in the day to discover the hero, who’s still swinging, there’s no denying!)–give us something to believe in.

Clean Room #11 (DC/Vertigo): I&N Demand Re: #10: “Welcome to the Dark Room,” indeed! Gail Simone pushes the peril pedal to the metal; and Jon Davis-Hunt keeps pace with some creepy-ass smiles and, umm, a pony man. Felt really good to be appalled like that in that moment. Clean Room–consistently engaging and legitimately horrifying—is one of my favorite reads.

Steve Rogers: Captain America #4 (Marvel): I&N Demand Just as Tom King has saved Batman, Nick Spencer has saved Captain America. See: I love the Hydra twist and certainly trust Spencer enough to see it through to a place that suits our beloved hero. Re:#3: More twists and turns, betrayals and burns–and The Taskmaster. Could’ve saved the twists and turns and the betrayals and burns for the later issues, actually. I mean, The Taskmaster’s pretty much a Leatherman of comic book awesomeness.

Here’s What’s I&N Store: The Spring Break Edition. It’s a lot like the MTV Spring Break shows of the late-’80s, just without the alcohol and the butt floss.

OK, so it’s nothing like the MTV Spring Break shows of the ’80s.

Rebels #1 (Dark Horse): Just I&N and I&N Demand I’m grabbing this one and I’m grabbing it fast! How fast? Howard Fast–that how fast. Man. That’s pretty damn fast. It’s not as fast as I’d like, though. See: my guy doesn’t open until Noon. So, instead of picking up my book on a fine April morning, I’ll be picking it up in the afternoon. Hey: either way, it works for me. I’m just excited to get something original from Brian Wood, one of our favorite writers. In fact, his recently completed Dark Horse series earned the #5 spot in our Top Ten of 2014. But this–this–may be an even more massive undertaking. There’s a Revolution calling–and I’m picking up. Fast.

Rebels #1

Astro City #22 (DC/Vertigo): You know, it’s funny: I didn’t care for the Quarrel arc at all until, wouldn’t you know, “The End of the Trail.” #21 hit some decent notes, including the all-in, action-packed opening and the honesty that fueled the resolution. But as someone who has been critical of the arc, I found the final page the most honest bit of writing that Busiek has done outside of The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw lo these last several months. I know, I know: I’m hearing what I want to hear; but, come on, it’s pretty remarkable that Samaritan says, “There’s got to be a better way than this. We’re losing people we shouldn’t lose.” Um, yeah! Hello! “Good hearts, good minds.” My heart! My mind! “There’s got to be a fix”–yes, indeed! “We can’t leave it like this…” Mr. Busiek, I suspect you won’t. That’s why I’m willing to stick around. Good talk, by the way.

Convergence #1 (DC): Ouch. Dan Jurgen’s super-redundant #0 left me feeling super-loopy; it left me feeling like I want to be left out of the latest reboot loop. Are we kicking things off in the Bizarro world or something? Because I can’t imagine that Scott Lobdell’s name is much of a selling point nowadays. I guess if your plan is to destroy the Universe as we know it…

Copperhead #6 (Image): Copperhead started off really, really well. Then it became, well, pretty run-of-the-mill. Hey, I get it: it’s tough to keep the magic going. Correspondingly, it gets tougher to keep the money flowing.

Descender #2 (Image): Look: #1 was OK. It was familiar and cheesy and did what it needed to do for a first issue. But it wasn’t the big book that many of the review sites built it up to be. Gotta give my man Derek props for his prediction, which may or may not play out: he expects Descender to play out a lot like Sweet Tooth, which I haven’t read. I do know, however, that Lemire’s not afraid to lean on stuff he’s already written. I’m willing to go at least two deep to see if he’s got something new–at least in my sphere–something that’ll hit me like Essex County or Trillium.

Nameless #3 (Image): I&N Demand Let’s be honest with each other: #1 wasn’t all that good. (Granted, it was a #1–even more, it was a Morrison #1.) #2, however, asserted very adamantly, “We’re all good,” what with that terrific twist and all. So, yeah, I’m glad I didn’t cross this one off of my list. It may claim to be Nameless, but it’s kinda Namemore, isn’t it? I mean, Morrison and Burnham are names that sell, names that deliver. Scott Lobdell, however…

The Surface #2 (Image): I don’t know: I didn’t like #1 very much. Might be because I’m stupid. Might also be because Ales Kot–who’s killing it on Zero, our #7 book of 2014–can be pretty incomprehensible at times. No, really: I skimmed through it. I never skim through a comic. I skimmed through this one, though, because I couldn’t connect to it. Odd, right? Especially considering the clever social commentary about being hyper-connected…

All-New Hawkeye #2 (Marvel): Fraction’s baby should’ve been put to sleep for good. But it wasn’t. Instead, Lemire’s in charge; and, as usual, he’s reaching into his quiver of tricks–this time back-waaaaaaay back–to Trillium. That’s right: the last page, if anything, was a flipping warning. Yeah, I’m leaning toward passing.

Ant-Man #4 (Marvel) I&N Demand Ant-Man is a big book–a huge book!We loved #2 enough to name it one of our Top 5 Books of February. #3 was pretty awesome, too. I mean, c’mon: the Taskmaster? And how about the line of the year so far: “Pick a theme!” Yeah, I laughed out loud. Thank you, Mr. Spencer! Something tells me that we’ll be celebrating your book again! Yeah, it’s more than just a little vice at this point, ain’t it?

Ant-Man #4

Evil Empire #12 (BOOM!): Suddenly, I’m not so excited about Evil Empire. Doesn’t feel as tight. And, if I’m being honest, Victor Santos’s art hasn’t lived up to the standard set by those who have come before him. I’m pretty invested at this point, so I can’t imagine jumping off.

Avery’s Pick of the Week

Scooby Doo Where Are You? #56 (DC): Of all of the comics I’ve bought for Avery, the ones I reread the most are Scooby Doo books. She loves the big reveals!

Last week had me Wow-ing more per book than any week in the recent past. Here’s the near future:

Mister X: Razed #2 (Dark Horse) I&N Demand No surprise here: we loved #1. It easily fell into our Top 5 Books of February, the result of the tasty termites and the hungry peregrine pigeons, which, of course, is Christmas come a bit late, you know, in the perfectly-wrapped gift of Dean Motter’s icicle-sharp storytelling. (Deep breath.) It’s everything we loved about Mr. X: Eviction, which was just as easily our #1 Book of 2013. Don’t remember why? Remind yourself.

Mister X: Razed #2

PastAways #1 (Dark Horse) Just I&N With his nonpareil Mind MGMT in its stretch run, main man Matt Kindt takes aim–along with artist Scott Kolins–at a fresh future with PastAways, the latest–and most assuredly not the last–entry in the suddenly supersaturated–and not-so-fresh–time-traveling-team market. Yeah, but it doesn’t matter if it’s good, right?

PastAways #1

The Multiversity: Ultra Comics #1 (DC): Re: Mastermen: Morrison and Lee bowled me over with their opening “splash” page–light a match, Adolph! I mean, c’mon: Hitler on the can, reading Superman? Hey, why Nazi? They played it for a laugh–and got it!–and forged a connection between the Führer and me. I was like, that’s what I look like when I’m reading during “Daddy Time,” you know, just without the mustache and the swastika. Yeah, otherwise, pretty spot on. After that, the rest of the book played out well–despite Lee’s pin-up-per-panel approach, which robs the story–artistically, anyway–of any momentum. Not the best single Multiversity issue, but still plenty metafun. This month, Morrison and Mahnke promise to make me “an integral part of the resistance.” Can’t resist that!

The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw #5 (Image) I&N Demand Pretty great all around. Sure, while Busiek’s been busy building this remarkably engaging world, Astro City‘s suffered a bit. (The Quarrel arc is arguably the weakest multi-issue story since our return to the City.) But that’s all right–especially now that the game is a(Good)foot.

The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw #5

They’re Not Like Us #4 (Image): They may not be like them, but concerns are rising: we’re three issues in and some of what’s going on is a lot like some of what’s already gone on. Still love the design, though; love getting right to it! And still hanging on the promise made at the end of #1.

Daredevil #14 (Marvel): Ooh, ooh! A Shroud of secrecy! Yeah, that pretty much made it all worth it. As Waid and Samnee are making their way to the end of their run, I can’t help but think about Matt’s exes and wonder: what’s gonna happen to Kirsten? I’m leaning toward this one breaking the mold.

Uncanny X-Men #32 (Marvel): Eva’s conversation with Scott left me feeling like I did after Snyder’s Harper Row lit into Batman (in the regrettable Batman #18). That’s not a good thing. Oh, and so, as it all works out, it’s like nothing ever happened, which is always gratifying. Love that. Oh, oh, and maybe the once and future leader of the X-Men isn’t so far from his grand return. Ugh! I hate all the secrets and the wars that rage as a result of them!

The Black Hood #2 (Archie): I was surprised by how much I liked the first one. What sold it: the last page. As cheesy as it was, it felt authentic, heroic. I needed that. Great stuff from Gaydos.

The Bunker #10 (Oni): I’m feeling somewhat disconnected from The Bunker at this point. If it were released on a more regular basis…

Hit: 1957 #1 (BOOM!): I was surprised that Hit earned a Harvey nomination because it wasn’t great. Sure, it hit the right notes at the start–and at its soul was something to celebrate; but it didn’t come together well, as evidenced by the unremarkable end. I’ll thumb through to see if Del Rey’s art is enough of a draw to warrant a try. Otherwise, I’m going to pass.

Mono #4 (Titan): Through three now, I’m kinda feeling like I did after the summer after I graduated from high school–you know, after saying hi and goodbye to four different girls before leaving for college, and after learning that I had a case of mono, one bad enough to keep me home for what would’ve been my first semester at Penn State. Just like that, actually.

Quantum and Woody Must Die #3 (Valiant): Funny, funny, funny!

The Sixth Gun #47 (Oni): The stack grows.

The Valiant #4 (Valiant): #3 didn’t hit me like #2 did. Resulted in a bit of a letdown, especially as the entirety of the Valiant Universe gets further mired in Lemire’s return to Rotworld.

The Twilight Zone: Shadow and Substance #3 (Dynamite): The first two-issue arc didn’t live up to Straczynski’s standard–but how could it? I’m probably going to pass.

We Can Never Go Home #1 (Black Mask): I haven’t like much of what I’ve tried from Black Mask. This one sounds interesting enough. I’ll thumb through to be fair.

Avery’s Picks of the Week

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic #29 (IDW): My wife just came home from Stop & Shop with eight more Pony blind bags. Thanks a lot DCTC! We’re drowning in Ponies over here–new ones and duplicates! I think we have three Pursey Pinks, for crying out loud!

Abigail and The Snowman #4 (BOOM!): My daughter’s dug it plenty–even if the Snowman is more Bumble than Olaf.

Oh, wow, OK. I was expecting you to say something else. You know, with Kindt and Kot and Slott and whatnot.

Hmm? I said thaw. Right? Thaw. Especially after all of the ice and snow.

Yeah, no, I know. Frost giants are bad-ass. But whoever the hell it is under that helmet is all business. Girl power, baby!

Thaw. Not Thor. Thaw.

That is the question, isn’t it?

No, it isn’t. You’re just not getting it, are you?

Are you kidding me? Of course, I am! I mean, Aaron’s hammering home a relevant point about gender, about identity–it’s almost Shakespearean if you think about it!

Just did. And, no, it isn’t.

I’m so confused right now. Doesn’t really sound like you’re really all that interested in Thor. I mean–I don’t know.

Third base.

Astro City #21 (DC/Vertigo): This Quarrel-centric arc’s been a drag. Wondering if Astro City‘s suffering from Busiek’s attention to his excellent–and anthropomorphically-fresh–The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw.

East of West #18 (Image) I&N Demand I always look forward to getting lost in Hickman’s fatal vision, particularly now with the increasingly-intriguing boy with the A.I. balloon. Alas, Babylon: I wish you well on your journey!

Sidekick #10 (Image): I’ve liked Sidekick a lot. Hard to imagine I almost quit after the first one! Oh, and then there was the time I accused J.M.S. of plagiarizing–his own material, for goodness sake! (In an odd twist, Straczynski employed a plot device in The Twilight Zone [our #10 book of 2014, by the way] that just so happened to be an integral part of fellow shelf-sitter Sidekick.) All blood under the bridge. Can’t wait to see how this wraps up.

The Surface #1 (Image) Just I&N Ales Kot–love him (Change, Zero) or hate him (Suicide Squad, Bucky Barnes: The Winter Soldier)–demands attention with his off-beat, oft-rhythmic writing style. He definitely does “mind-bending” well, so I’m definitely down with discovering what lies beneath The Surface.

The Surface #1

Ant-Man #3 (Marvel) I&N Demand Never in my life–or at least in the last couple of months–did I expect to find myself excited about Ant-Man. Ant-Man for God’s sake! It’s mostly promotional material, isn’t it? And what about Secret Wars? I mean, is this series gonna get stepped on after #5? But Spencer’s having a good time and it shows! (See Darth Vader and Princess Leia for very much the opposite feeling.) And, then, of course, there’s the promise of the Taskmaster, one of my all-time faves.

Ant-Man #3

Silver Surfer #10 (Marvel) I&N Demand Any regular reader–or occasional clicker–worth his power cosmic knows that we love Slott and Allred’s Silver Surfer, our #4 book of 2014. What you don’t know–no matter your status–is that #8 was a Top 5 Pick of January and #9 was a Top Five Pick of February. (Yeah, no links. Sorry: we’re kind of behind. It happens. A lot.) It’s been the perfect balance of humor and huge moments–none huger than the coming of Galactus.

Silver Surfer #10

Star Wars #3 (Marvel): Of the three newly relaunched Star Wars books, this one’s the only one that seems to care. How much do I care? Not as much as I had hoped. We’ll see if this one helps.

Thor #6 (Marvel): OK, so I’m intrigued. Sure, there have been some terrible moments (#5, for example: What is that nonsense between Thor and Titiana? Is it The Sisterhood of the Traveling Spandex?); but they’ve been generally tempered by the well-developed mystery and the emergence of the Odinson as a superior supporting character.

The Damnation of Charlie Wormwood #5 (Dynamite): A decent Twilight Zone-ish story with some literary notes comes to close.

Ninjak #1 (Valiant) I&N Demand Matt Kindt’s proving that Valiant picked the right guy to power up their universe–especially with his latest wave of books (The Valiant, Divinity) Ninjak promises to be further proof.

Ninjak #1

Rachel Rising #32 (Abstract Studio): I had this book written off for dead after #29. #30 found Terry Moore resurrecting everything that made Rachel rise above the rest–and into our Top Ten Books of 2013. Pretty glad I kept it on my pull list. Thing is, I know that Moore can slip to less–and that knowledge is going to linger, maybe even spoil. Rats.

The Sixth Gun: Dust to Dust #1 (Oni): If it’s The Sixth Gun, it’s going to find its way into my bag.

War Stories #6 (Avatar): Garth Ennis and Tomas Aria are telling the harrowing story of the Children of Israel, and I’m on the edge of my seat to find out how it ends.

You did a double-take, didn’t you? You were expecting to read Spider-Gwen at the end of that superlative statement, weren’t you?

Ugh.

Colder: Bad Seed #5 (Dark Horse): Nimble Jack is back, baby! Maybe that’ll add a little oomph to an otherwise lethargic exercise. Tobin and Ferreyra cultivated a creepy tone early on but kind of got stuck in one place. Man, I’d give the finger to this series, but I’d be worried about getting it back.

Mister X: Razed #1 (Dark Horse) Just I&N and I&N Demand It’s the first time a book has earned both enviable distinctions! Oh, yeah, baby! Mister X is back, and we couldn’t be any more excited! One reason–and it’s a good one: back in 2013, Dean Motter delivered the brilliant Mr. X: Eviction, which earned the coveted #1 spot on our highly respected Top Ten list, beating out the likes of Mind MGMT, Six-Gun Gorilla, and Saga. Now that’s gotta tell you something. Can’t wait to see what Mr. Motter has to tell us this time around.

Mister X: Razed #1

Bodies #8 (DC/Vertigo): Gosh. #1 hit the shelves with such promise. Unfortunately, the damn thing collapsed under its own weight and, as a result, has been a four-pronged slog ever since. Glad it’s over.

Suiciders #1 (DC/Vertigo): Lee Bermejo’s doing his own thing. Would be silly not to try it.

Low #6 (Image): I’m still pretty high on Low. Remender’s not ringing my bell anywhere else; but this diving bell of a book is tintinnabulous!

ODY-C #3 (Image): This gender-bending blitz on Homer’s epic is a damn siren’s song; it’s a party with the local lotophagi. Didn’t dig it so much after the first issue. Good thing I stuck around.

Rasputin #5 (Image): I’m riding it out ’til the end of the arc. There isn’t much here that’s keeping my interest.

They’re Not Like Us #3 (Image) I&N Demand Deadly Class only wishes it was this good. How would you act if you had superpowers? Eric Stephenson’s got the answer. Heck, it’s like a team full of feisty and rather petty Ozymandiases. What’s going to happen when the stakes get raised? Can’t wait to find out.

They’re Not Like Us #3

The Wicked & The Divine #8 (Image) I&N Demand The book’s got attitude. Yeah, this book’s a real bitch–a beautiful, effing bitch–one you’ve just desperate to have. But even when you have it, you don’t really have it; it has you.

The Wicked & The Divine #8

All-New X-Men #38 (Marvel): Chapter 4 of “The Black Vortex” crossover. Yeah, I’m out of that loop. Probably going to leave it on the shelf. Hindsight is 22/22: should’ve done the same with the Ultimate waste of an arc.

Daredevil #13 (Marvel): Despite some strong work from Chris Samnee, the Stunt-Master arc wasn’t particularly exciting. Reminds that Waid’s missed the mark some since making the move to the Left Coast. This issue kicks off the final chapter of Waid and Samnee’s run. I say perfect timing. Speaking of perfect: how about Samnee’s cover:

Daredevil #13

Darth Vader #2 (Marvel): #1 was fine. Was the Force with it? Not so sure about that. Got to give Gillen another go-round to see just how dark his helmet gets.

Men Of Wrath #5 (Marvel/Icon): I’ve enjoyed it enough. Father-son stories always hit me where it hurts. It’s like “Cat’s in the Cradle” but the cat’s been blown to furry bits by a blast of buckshot. “When you comin’ home son, I don’t know when, but I’ll fill you full of lead, dad, you know I’ll shoot you in the head…”

Abigail and the Snowman #3 (BOOM!): My daughter’s kind of scared of the Snowman. She has to convince herself that it’s just a cartoon–the same way she talks herself down when Marshmallow shows up in Frozen. Still she’s made it her pick of the week.

Bodies #7 (DC/Vertigo): An autopsy has revealed that there’s life yet in Bodies. Oops. Nothing more awkward than a premature postmortem. Sorry, Mr. Spencer et al. Didn’t mean to doubt. I’m believing again–and just in time, too.

Alex + Ada #12 (Image): So beautifully human. Sure, the dialogue reads like it’s right out of an episode of Girlmore Girls–you know, that bizarre, hypnotic monotone that’s so damn maddening. Thing is, it’s not off-putting here; it’s actually strangely affecting. But most of all, I love the subtle shifts in the art from one panel to the next. Speaks so loudly without a single word.

Bitch Planet #2 (Image): Ouch! Kelly Sue DeConnick went and bitch slapped me and my low expectations for her women in prison send up. I’m man enough to admit: in #1, she exploits exploitation expertly, reminiscent of Tarantino at times–which is a pretty deadly compliment. Here’s another: throughout, I heard–more so, I saw with a hawk’s eye, if only in fractions, her hubby’s voice. Heck, yeah, I’m gonna grab #2. Doesn’t mean I’m in for life. We’ll call it probation–with higher expectations this time around.

The Dying & the Dead #1 (Image): Just I&N Jonathan Hickman’s Image work has been pretty great–particularly East of West, which has been nothing short of great of late. No reason to expect anything less here.

The Dying & The Dead #1

Rasputin #4 (Image): I was mostly on board through two. #3, however, felt a little light on substance. I’ll thumb through this one and hope for heavier. Wouldn’t be the worst thing if I decided to drop it, if I’m being honest.

They’re Not Like Us #2 (Image) I&N Demand OK, so, we’ve heard this one before, right? Of course we have. And we’ll keep hearing it, too–but maybe not quite like this. See: all those other X-wannabes are not like They’re Not Like Us. Ha! I worked it out! Anyway… Sure, the book read well enough: the writing’s solid; the art works. But I wasn’t completely sold until the end note. Yeah, that’s a damn fine way to end a familiar tune. Hoping that Stephenson and Gane keep separating themselves from the others with a strong sophomore effort.

They’re Not Like Us #2

Zero #14 (Image): I&N Demand One of our favorite books of 2014. (Just how favorite? You’ll have to wait to find out.) After a big time low point, Kot’s found his voice–which, at times, has been splendidly silent, allowing the artiste du mois to do the real talking. Very much looking forward to what Kot’s got in store for us to kick off 2015.

Zero #14

Thor #4 (Marvel): Despite its heavy handedness–not related to Mjolnir, mind you–#1 was a promising start. Since then, however, the book’s reminded of Superior Spider-Man–everything I hated about Superior Spider-Man. I should probably pass.

Uncanny X-Men #30 (Marvel): Uncanny‘s been a ton better than All-New of late. And that’s all I have to say about that.

The Damnation of Charlie Wormwood #4 (Dynamite): Everyone loves a good ethical dilemma. No one does ’em better in comics than J. Michael Straczynski (The Twilight Zone). He’s not writing this. But it’s not bad. Credit Christina Blanch and Chris Carr for the fact that TDoCW is engaging on that “What would you do in the same situation?” kind of level. (For the record: I’d do whatever it takes to take care of my daughters; so I feel for Charlie–and am rooting for him.) I think my interest is amplified by the fact that good ol’ Charlie Wormwood’s an English teacher, who most assuredly has learned a lesson or two about ethical dilemmas through the novels and stories he’s read and taught through the years. He probably never thought he’d be the one sitting across the table from the devil…

Evil Empire #10 (BOOM!): I&N Demand I really like what Max Bemis has been doing in his crazy country worth of comicbook. Evil Empire is smart, aware, fearless, and, above all, entertaining as &%$@. Happy to see Victor Santos–owner of a very distinct style–on visuals. And, as always, Jay Shaw on cover duty:

Evil Empire #10

Quantum and Woody Must Die #1 (Valiant): Yeah, I love Quantum and Woody and what Asmus has done with them, but I’m leaning toward leaving this on the shelf. I just don’t like the games Valiant’s playing with the all-of-a-sudden minis and one-shots. Just give me a damn series to follow! For example:

X-O Manowar #32 (Valiant): I can’t believe I’m thirty-two issues in! Credit to Robert Venditti. He’s so good at X’s and O’s that he could probably coach a basketball team. Hell, he could take over the Knicks right now. Couldn’t do any worse than Derek Fisher. Right?

Avery’s Pick of the Week

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic #27 (IDW): My daughter loves her ponies–and not just in comics, either. We’re an MLP blind bag family, thanks mostly to DCTC (Disney Cars Toy Club)–otherwise known as YouTube Crack for Kids. We opened two blind bags tonight. Got a new one–Lucky Swirl, who looks a lot like Twilight Sparkle–and a “same duplicate,” as my daughter calls it. Yup: another Neon Lights. Yay.

This was one stacked month of comics. Consider: our #1 book from last month (Silver Surfer), despite another strong outing, didn’t crack the Top 5 this time out. Also, only one of the titles below has been featured on our hallowed list before (having been, at different times, praised and damned – see below). This speaks to the veritable title wave of new, quality work being produced in this, the New Golden Age of Comics.

#5. Bodies #1 (DC/Vertigo): Brit scribe Si Spencer–whose ambition is clearly as vaulting as a well-known Shakespearean Thane-in-the-neck–has brazenly pieced together a primo pastiche of disparate eras and artists–including a Murderers’ Row of Meghan Hetrick, Dean Ormston, Tula Lotay, and Phil Winslade–and in doing so has Doyle-d up a Holmes-ian mystery multiplied by four. Sure, the transitions from one time period to the next are as harsh as a head on collision, but it’s entirely understandable because so is the seemingly singular homicide that links one Longharvest Lane crime scene to the next. Lee Loughridge’s colors, too, help to both draw a distinction and create a connection among the settings, the latter established by his use of a clichéd shade of red, which is hinted at by the blood splatter on Fiona Stephenson’s vintage–and ironically vivacious–cover. Bodies #1 is a killer first issue that executes an experimental exposition that could’ve easily succumbed to redundancy, but instead rises effortlessly to the level of required reading. (SC)

Bodies #1

#4. Cap’n Dinosaur (one-shot) (Image): MORE! FUN! COMICS! Cap’n Dinosaur is just what any jaded comic book reader needs: sublime silliness distilled through a love of classic super hero tropes. A synopsis of the plot would be futile, and pointless besides (just take a gander at the cover!) Suffice it to say that writer Kek-W and artist Shaky Kane have cooked up a kooky confection of pure comic-y goodness. Kane’s absurdist Silver-Age aesthetic seems to bring out the best in his collaborators (as evidenced by another recent Image one-shot, That’s Because You’re a Robot, with writer David Quantick – also worth a look). In particular, Kane seems to inspire writers to release their buried id in order to keep up with his lunatic visions, in much the same way that Mike Allred does. In fact, with his timeless, retro style, anarchic non-sequiturs and surreal approach to pop culture, I’d say that if Mike Allred and (comic genius) Michael Kupperman had a baby, it would be Shaky Kane. So I guess what I’m saying is: Mike Allred and Michael Kupperman should have babies….Oh, just buy this book! (DM)

Cap’n Dinosaur

#3. Thomas Alsop #2 (BOOM!): The Mage. The Mystic. That mysterious Master of the Dark Arts, guarding the thin veil that protects our reality from the nefarious nether-worlds. Such figures have constituted their own archetype in comics since at least Mandrake the Magician. Curious then, that they have been underrepresented in the current comics scene since the demise of the venerated Hellblazer (What’s that you say? There’s a comic called Constantine featuring the same character? Sorry, never heard of it.) Poised to step into those considerable loafers is one Thomas Alsop. And by “step” I mean “stagger, covered in his own vomit.” Conjured from the aether by writer Chris Miskiewicz and artist Palle Schmidt, the titular magician (and voracious abuser of all sorts of substances), possesses a nice insouciance, equal parts debounair and depraved, that provides a necessary (gin and) tonic to the severity of the grave matters at hand (all puns and in-jokes are very much intended). Calling himself a “Supernatural Detective”, he shills his skills on his own reality television show (what else?). This however, is largely a cover (albeit one that pays handsomely) for his more serious work as protector of New York City. But that is not all the creators have up their sleeves; adding complexity is the story of Thomas’ ancestor Richard, the first magical protector of New York, and the dark secret that links past and present. And more still: this being very much a tale of New York, Miskiewicz has, very bravely I think, interwoven the 9/11 tragedy into his story. No small risk that, especially amidst all the fun and games. But he and Schmidt have, so far, accorded it the respectful tone it requires. All in all, this brew, seemingly light and frothy, is a lot more heady than at first it seems. Another round! (DM)

Thomas Alsop #2

#2. Life With Archie#36 (Archie): Paul Kupperberg and Co.’s chocolate soda brought all the boys and girls–including yours truly–to the comic shop, and damn right it’s better than than all but one of July’s releases. Yeah, this book–with the help of mainstream media coverage–absolutely blew up. And I–like many other non-Archie readers–was caught in the blast radius; so even though I hadn’t touched as much as an Archie Comics Digest in 30-plus years, I just had to have it! Mind you, this was no ordinary ordinance; this was a nostalgia bomb–one that made me feel welcome in Riverdale despite my being, for all intents and purposes, a complete stranger.

Writer Kupperberg and artists Pat and Tim Kennedy (pencils), Jim Amash (inks), and Glenn Whitmore (colors) put Archie on a path through his past, present, and future–in a lead up to the not-so-shock ending–and as I followed I was struck by just how good Archie is; in, fact, he’s not unlike Superman in his Boy Scout-ish goodness. In the end, however, he is simply a man: he can’t fly or see through walls; he’s not bulletproof; and his sacrifice leaves us all lamenting the death of that perfect innocence embodied by Archie Andrews–which is made more affective not by the amount of blood about Archie’s body but by the final image of a chocolate soda with three straws having been knocked over during the fracas, its figurative innocence–established on a playful first page–left to melt and spill to the floor.

More that that, really, I was surprised by how good the journey through Archie’s life made me feel. Gosh, it made me wish more than once that we could all be Archies and Jugheads and Bettys and Veronicas–that all joy could be shared and problems solved over a chocolate soda with three straws. What a world it’d be! It was an experience I did not expect. I had initially planned to thumb through the thing and stick it in a bag. Who knew that “every bit of it [would] just [feel] like home”? (SC)

Life With Archie #36

#1. Zero #9 (Image): Sonuvabitch. As you might have surmised, we here at I&N read a LOT of comics. With so much new product coming out each month, we not only have to decide which titles are worth our time, but also which titles are no longer cutting the mustard. Zero, Ales Kot’s minimalist gut-punch of a spy thriller, in particular has been quite the roller coaster ride, and not always in a good way. After naming it one of our Top Ten Books of 2013 for its innovation and unpredictability, it promptly took a nosedive, as unpredictability gave way to incoherence. In fact, it was only a couple of months ago that the previous issue (#8) was named our Biggest Dis(appointment) of the month. So yeah, this book was on the chopping block.

And then Kot does this. Set in the midst of the Bosnian War, Zero #9 tells a tale from Roman Zizek’s past. Zizek is Zero’s mentor, an American black ops agent, and a war profiteer. Unsurprisingly, he’s a double-dealer of the first order. Already knee-deep in subterfuge and complicit in some of the worst atrocity in recent history, he also has a Bosnian girlfriend who is pregnant, victimized by the war. And things go from there.

Artist Tonci Zonjic deserves special mention as his storytelling manages to be atmospheric, clean, and cartoony (in the classic sense), perfectly setting the tone with a style reminiscent of early Mazzuchelli. And Jordie Bellaire’s muted hues, perfectly navigating between harsh reality and precious memory, are, as always, flawless.

A cursory look at the news will tell you that the world is rife with new, terrible things happening every day. So much so, that the horrors of even the recent past quickly get buried. Rare is the comic that can successfully mine such tragic events for its own fictive purposes, while also shining a light on those so easily forgotten or ignored (Joshua Dysart’s Unknown Soldiercomes to mind). Rarer still, one that can do so with such spare, awful beauty. With this issue, Kot and Co. have not only banished any thought of dropping this vital book; they’ve produced one of the most powerful, resonant stories of the year. (DM)

Zero #9

The Biggest Dis(appointment): Robin Rises: Omega #1 (DC): I’ve been pretty vocal in my support of Peter J. Tomasi’s Batman and Whoever, especially in light of its being overshadowed by the over-hyped and underwhelming Snyder books. (I even told Mr. Tomasi as much when I met him at the 2013 NYCC. He seemed mildly appreciative.) Tomasi did a commendable job of following in Grant Morrison’s footsteps, when it seemed that others had no use for them–until now, that is. Ah, and therein lies the disappointment. This book, which starts off well enough with a Damien-Robin retrospective, descends into a chaotic disaster of day-old dialogue and stumbles–despite some solid work from Andy Kubert, Jonathan Glapion, and Brad Anderson–into a terminally anemic battle scene–an epic game of casket keep away–that only ends because it eventually reaches its $4.99 price-point page limit. To make matters worse, it turns out that Batman’s going to have to go BOOM! if he wants to get Robin back; that’s right: he’s headed to DC’s dark side–and, boy, I’d punch Tomasi in his pursed Mother-Boxing Apokolips if I were to ever see him again for going so against the Wayne with his choice of settings for the next rung on the way toward Robin’s return. (Heck, whom am I fooling? I’d probably say, “Hey, Mr. Tomasi! Love your work! I can’t wait to see what you have in store for…Superman/Wonder Woman!” And he’d probably be mildly appreciative.) The New God-darned piece of shard is so distressingly disappointing that I’m seriously considering giving up entirely on Batman and Robin–no, seriously–which would leave me Bat-less for the first time since I jumped into The New 52. Well, there’s always Moon Knight…(SC)

This week isn’t defined so much by the number of books I’m getting as it’s defined by one particular book I’m getting. You’ll know which one when you get to it. So much for self control!

The Massive #26 (Dark Horse): Winding down to the end. (I’m still in denial about it, mind you.) #25 was OK–tough to be the first issue after an arc that truly slakes the thirst like “Sahara”–but had that “setting up the wind down” feel to it. Silver lining: answers are on the horizon.

Mind MGMT #25 (Dark Horse): Can’t type about #24 without first mentioning the gorgeous wraparound cover–which, by the way, was won at auction by some lucky fan for a smidgen over $5000: I got Lyme disease just looking at it! Inside, a bit of a retrospective, more a Rosetta Stone–all through the lens of Henry Lyme, who’s heart is so lovingly revealed–and it’s Merutiful!. Loved it. OK, so, the big question about this month’s issue: how much is this cover going to go for?

Mind MGMT #25

Pop #1 (Dark Horse):This poppy premise is definitely Top 40: a prefabbed pop princess goes off the reservation! Will she auto-tune her way out of trouble? Or will she go full Milli Vanilli? Don’t know the creators, but when has that ever stopped me? Here’s hoping that Curt Pires and Jason Copland deliver a hit–and that they’re not one-hit wonders.

Pop #1

Bodies #2 (DC/Vertigo): Loved, loved, loved the quilt that Si Spencer stitched together with his coterie of co-creators. We liked it so much that we’ve made it one of our Top 5 Books of July! (Write-up to come.)

Bodies #2

Dead Boy Detectives #8 (DC/Vertigo): Continues to be an engaging read a la The Books of Magic ongoing.

Superman #34 (DC): Finally! A Superman book worth reading! It’s felt like forever since Morrison left and took his massive moments with him. Two issues into their arc, Johns and Romita, Jr. have proven that they are worthy successors–even if they are a bit more straightforward in terms of storytelling.

The Last Fall #2 (IDW): Wasn’t knocked out by #1, but I’m going to try another. Why? Since you asked: I’m giving Tom Waltz my attention because of his terrific work on TMNT. I’m loyal like that.

Low #2 (Image): Not high on this but not exactly low, either. Yes, #1 read like a Remender book; but Greg Tocchini’s art, which is pretty excellent, made me think but not mind that I was basically reading The Wake Part II #1. I’m going to go against my better judgement and buy this one. I don’t know–maybe this’ll be the book that finally turns me toward Remender. Then again, the writer’s own words from #1 haunt–and taunt–me; they are essentially telling me to lay off: “Being optimistic doesn’t mean you have to ignore the realities around you.” Preach, Reverend Rick. Preach.

Low #2

The Manhattan Projects #23 (Image): In #22, Hickman refers to a “line between the mundane and the divine.” Usually, TMP is firmly planted on the divine side; it’s as consistent a book as you’re going to find. However, much of #22 toes that ironically referenced line; in fact, it does a much-too-talky tip-toe dance for a goodly part of the book. But, in typical Hickman fashion, it ends elegantly on pointe. And blade. And spike.

Outcast #3 (Image): The story is compelling enough, with its layers and all. Robert Kirkman and Paul Azaceta–whose art, as colored by Elizabeth Breitweiser, reminds of David Aja’s–have done a fine job of developing a sense of dread–you know, the seventh sense–and authentic sympathy for Kyle.

Saga #22 (Image): Honesty: #19 and #20 left me a bit wanting; yeah, hadn’t been feeling so gaga about Saga–until #21, that is. Oof, what a comeback. (Not so much for Mama Sun, though, eh?) Five big splashes from Fiona Staples help hammer home the love, the hate, the hurt–the brilliance—of Saga.

Saga #22

Wayward #1 (Image): Marketed as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer for a new generation,” but gonna give it a try anyway. God knows I love a me a good “supernatural spectacle,” you know, like the supernaturally terrific Thomas Alsop (BOOM!).

All-New X-Men #31 (Marvel): Still haven’t gotten a hold of #30. Figures that just as I came around to what Bendis is doing I can’t find the damn book on the shelf. My fault, I guess. I should’ve put it on my pull list as soon as things turned toward the positive for me.

Original Sin #5.4 (Marvel): Once again, a crossover has come along and murdered momentum–in the case of Loki: Agent of Asgard, magical momentum. It’s been nice to look at; otherwise, I can’t wait for this nonsense to fall away so we can get back on the alluringly loqucious Lokimotive.

Silver Surfer #5 (Marvel): We’ve celebrated each of the first three issues as a top book of the month. (See: March, April, and June.) #4 was great, too; but, because of all of the greater books that dropped in July, it missed being a Top 5 book. It was easily a Top 10 title, though. Despite a dignified drop in the I&N rankings, one thing’s been a constant: SS has been a perfect marriage of writer and artist: Slott’s writing the new adventures of Norrin Radd like it was his professional destiny, and Allred’s, well, Allred: he is the power cosmic complement who makes the book pop–for as long as they both shall live. Or at least until their hang-tenure is over.

Silver Surfer #5

Brass Sun #4 (2000 A.D.): I’m digging Brass Sun. I like the possibilities offered up by the universe that Ian Edginton’s created, and I’ve really taken to artist I.N.J. Culbard’s approach and how carries the story without ever distracting from it. #3, with its twists and spurns, has kicked things up a notch. On to the next!

Evil Empire #4 (BOOM!): Speaking of a #3 that delivered some twists! Glad I didn’t ditch after #2! Can’t look past the great covers by Jay Shaw, either. Then again, you have to, you know, if you want to read the book. Rest assured: it’s OK if you want to judge Evil Empire by this cover:

Evil Empire #4

The Sixth Gun #42 (Oni Press): Still a bit behind. This’ll sit on a short stack, which I will–i must–read before I go back to work.

X-O Manowar #28 (Valiant): Generally, I don’t care for crossovers, but the Armor Hunters diversion works well here, for obvious reasons. Sure, Archer & Armstrong and Quantum and Woody deserve the accolades they’ve received. (Harvey noms are nothing to sneeze at.) Robert Venditti, however, deserves a lot of credit for playing a one-note character into a symphony of sympathy, which has lasted, now, for twenty-eight issues.

Avery’s Pick of the Week:

Bee and Puppycat #3 (BOOM!): Avery just thinks that Bee and Puppycat is the dog’s meow.